Italian Graubünden, Alpine region in eastern Grisons, Switzerland
Italian Graubünden is a mountain region in eastern Grisons with several interconnected valleys including Misox, Calanca, Bergell, and Puschlav. These valleys descend toward the south and share river systems that drain into the Po River basin across the border.
The region joined the Three Leagues confederation in the 15th century, a political alliance that would eventually shape its future. This union later became part of Switzerland in 1803, solidifying its place in the Swiss federation.
Italian is the main language in the southern valleys, and you notice it in the way houses are built, how people cook, and what they celebrate. The rhythm of life here feels closer to neighboring Italy than to the rest of Switzerland.
The region is reached by narrow-gauge trains run by the Rhaetian Railway, which connect communities year-round across the mountains. Winter brings heavy snow to the higher elevations, so visitors should check conditions before traveling in cold months.
Lunghin Pass in this area marks where three major European water divides meet in one spot. Water from here flows toward the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.
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